Mike Ensley

I'm so enthusiastic about working with men because I've seen how our lives and the lives of those closest to us are transformed when we engage deeply in working on ourselves. We're so much more likely to believe we have to make it on our own, that it makes us weak to ask for help, or that seeing a counselor just isn't going to 'work'. I'm excited to help dispel these myths for you, and walk alongside as you rediscover excitement about your life.

I think the teen years are such a great time in life. The struggles involved aren't lost on me, but a teen is a person explosively expanding in their ability to explore, think critically, and relate. There's so much for them to gain from a safe and confidential space where they can unpack and explore with an adult who isn't an extra parent, or even an authority figure, but a partner and guide in the journey of beginning to discover what they want out of life.

Life is all about relationship--with others as well as ourselves. I believe so much of our struggling and suffering has to do with the wounds, unbalanced conditioning, and false beliefs that cut us off from knowing closeness, safety, and and fulfillment in connection. The concept of attachment is something I have studied and continue to study deeply because I know that the number one ingredient for successful therapy is strong and authentic connection.

Before we even have words, we are telling ourselves a story. Our minds, emotions, and our body are always learning and assigning meaning to the experiences we have, and this meaning impacts how we receive future experiences. Narrative therapy is about bringing this process out of the unconscious, where we can realign the broken or misunderstood ways we define ourselves, and craft a chosen story going forward.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a powerful tool I added to my repertoire to help my clients get over those hurdles that talk therapy just can't address. I am fully trained in using this method to help reduce the symptoms of trauma triggers, reactive emotions, and even addictive impulses. And if you are seeing a therapist you like who doesn't offer EMDR, I can offer cooperative adjunct sessions so that you can benefit from this therapy without having to switch counselors.

They psychology of Attachment nearly always comes into play with whatever issues my clients are here to address. You will gain so much clarity and self-knowledge from exploring your attachment style and engaging in proven methods to improve the way we experience connection, closeness, and intimacy.